Disney Park Initiates Gradual Shutdown, Rides Block Guests From 11 a.m.

Visitors at Disneyland Paris may find their plans unexpectedly cut short today, as one of the resort’s two theme parks begins ushering out guests long before sunset.

Theme park hours are rarely static — Disney’s Animal Kingdom, for instance, often closes earlier than its Orlando counterparts, sometimes as early as 5 p.m. Disneyland Park in California, on the other hand, is famous for often stretching operations until midnight, keeping its castle lit long after other parks have gone dark.

For those arriving in Paris this morning, the reality is even more striking. Walt Disney Studios Park is closing in phases, beginning just as most visitors would expect their day to get started.

A Gradual Shutdown at Walt Disney Studios Park

Disney announced in September that the Paris park would shut down area by area on October 9. At 11 a.m., Ratatouille: L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy became the first attraction to close its doors. Over the course of the day, additional spaces will follow, ending with Animation Boutique at 6 p.m.

🕙 Custom signs have also been made for each attraction affected by the early closure pic.twitter.com/NV96srPede

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) October 9, 2025

To avoid confusion, Disney has rolled out custom signage around the park. Each attraction has posted notices detailing when it will shut down, reminding guests that today’s schedule is far from business as usual.

The company has not provided a formal explanation. Still, the appearance of a temporary stage in Place de Rémy strongly suggests the park is being used for a private function.

🕙 At Place de Remy a stage and LED screen has been setup in the tunnel leading to ToyStory Playland. The area closes in… 2 hours. pic.twitter.com/uzsVnEavK8

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) October 9, 2025

Disneyland Paris has a history of closing parks early for corporate events or cast member celebrations, particularly in the run-up to the holidays.

Ongoing Work at Disneyland Paris

The unusual closure underscores how much change is underway across Disneyland Paris. Walt Disney Studios Park is preparing for a dramatic transformation into Disney Adventure World, set to debut in 2026 with the highly anticipated World of Frozen. In the coming years, the park will add a Lion King-themed area, attractions based on Tangled (2010) and Up (2009), a new nighttime lagoon show, and fresh dining experiences.

For guests today, however, that future feels far away. In the meantime, Walt Disney Studios Park feels a bit more like a construction site than a theme park, with Disney itself even recommending that guests only visit after 3 p.m.

Next door, Disneyland Park itself hasn’t added a ride since Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast opened in 2006. The early closure leaves visitors with even fewer options, making for a frustrating day at a resort often criticized for its uneven guest experience.

The overhaul extends beyond the parks. Disney Village, the resort’s shopping and dining district, is also in the midst of a sweeping redesign. The longtime home to neon-clad architecture and ’90s kitsch is getting a modern refresh, with a new McDonald’s expected in 2026 and additional restaurants and retail spaces on the way.

For now, visitors eager to soak up Disney magic will need to adjust their expectations — or head over to Disneyland Park to make the most of their time. Whether today’s shutdown is a one-off or a sign of more frequent private events ahead, it highlights just how complex managing a resort in transition can be.

Has your Disney vacation ever been impacted by an unexpected closure? Share your story with us in the comments!